Spinal Slashes into Killer Instinct Today

Killer Instinct‘s swashbuckling skeleton has joined the fray: Spinal will become available today for owners of the Ultra Edition and Combo Breaker Pack bundles (Note: he will automatically download for owners of those bundles.)

If you’re already comfortable with Jago, Orchid, or one of the other KI characters already available, why should you give Spinal a spin? We asked Producer Torin Rettig to list some of Spinal’s best maneuvers:

Power Devour: A classic Spinal move. Spinal uses his opponent’s attack to power up his own offense. Spinal absorbs opponents’ special moves and turns them into skulls that he can use to curse them. Curses siphon opponents shadow meter or instinct meter and give it to Spinal.

Bonerunner: A new and awesome move for Spinal. Whereas most characters can dash forward and back, Spinal has a full on run. With Bonerunner, he can run forward indefinitely and can use any move out of the run that he could if he were standing. It closes the distance on opponents fast and creates tons of pressure for the opponent. He also has an awesome maniacal laugh while running, adding to the fun.

Skeleport: Another classic spinal move. Spinal teleports in relation to the opponent based upon the power level of the Skeleport. He can teleport right in front of the opponent, mid distance from the opponent and behind the opponent. Perfect for set-ups, mix-ups and keeping the opponent guessing.

Searing Skull: When performed in a combo it trades damage for giving Spinal skulls. When Spinal has skulls Searing Skull fires them at the opponent at various angles and when they hit they curse them. Curses drain shadow meter from the opponent and give it to Spinal, allowing him to turn the tide of battle. Additionally, the shadow version of Searing Skull fires a massive chattering skull that siphons instinct meter from the opponent to Spinal. Both versions of Searing Skull can stack multiple times, increasing the drain.

Also, he looks incredibly cool – see him in action in the video above… and be sure to watch all the way to the end.